Transport Command (Civilian Passengers)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Air what qualifications are required by British civilians and foreign civilians, respectively, to be conveyed on Transport Command aeroplanes; and why surplus air transport aeroplanes are not used for bringing back service personnel from the Far East for demobilisation.

In order to get an air passage both British and foreign civilians must satisfy the appropriate Government Department that "their journey is really necessary "—in the national interests or is a deserving compassionate case, and they pay their fares. Unfortunately we have no surplus transport aircraft available to increase the trooping programme. On the contrary, we have pressed into service converted bomber aircraft which are by no means ideal for the job.